29 November 2017

#WelcometoBRHC – new orientation videos give patients and visitors a virtual insight into Bristol Royal Hospital for Children

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
and The Grand Appeal are delighted to launch the first of their new
ward orientation videos; a multi-part series featuring patients and
staff, guiding the viewer around different wards and areas of the
hospital.

Created as a direct result of patient and family feedback and
subsequent consultation, these videos feature patients of the
children's hospital who share their experiences of the wards and
units in which they have been treated. Daniel, Samantha and her
brother David, and Hannah play centre stage as they tour the
paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), Ward 32 (Cardiac) and Ward
35 (Adolescent).

Professionally captured and edited by Jonny Clooney of Makinov
film and video; patients and families can now easily access the
orientation videos on the hospital's
website, Facebook
page, by following the Twitter handle @UHBristolNHS or
searching #WelcometoBRHC.

Project coordinator, Julie Swann who works in the hospital's
LIAISE family support team, says: "Having taken on-board feedback
from patients and families, we have succeeded in launching this new
initiative, welcoming patients and visitors to the hospital before
coming. We were told coming to the hospital would feel easier if
families could familiarise themselves with where they might stay or
visit, who they might meet and house rules that are in place. This
is particularly important for families who live in the wider south
west who might not visit the hospital for an outpatient
appointment.

"It was a privilege to work with these amazing young people, our
fantastic staff that support them and The Grand Appeal team.
These videos really help to provide reassurance around the hospital
environment and we hope that they will make preparing for an
admission a little easier.

"We want to thank our young stars for their participation, and
embarking on this journey to help other patients and families in
their position. They are delighted by the videos, and so they
should be; their parents have been equally positive and keen to
recognise the role the hospital and its teams have played in their
lives.

"We look forward to expanding this project, adding more videos
that will cover the hospitals wards, departments and units. This
will be achieved working in partnership with The Grand Appeal who
continually support Bristol children's hospital to make
improvements to the environment, patient experience and facilities
for families and staff."

Anna Shepherd, Deputy Director of The Grand Appeal added:

"Being in the hospital at any age can be a scary experience, so
it's incredibly important that we do all we can to help reduce the
anxiety that sick children and their families may feel ahead of
coming to hospital for the first time. These films will play a
vital role in that, and we are very proud to be involved."